Seven Characteristics of Jesus for Us
BASE TEXT: 1 JOHN 2:1-28
INTRODUCTION:
In the second chapter of his first letter, the apostle John unveils seven fundamental truths about Jesus Christ that should bring profound joy, steadfast hope, and unwavering encouragement to every faithful Christian. These characteristics are not merely theological concepts but living realities that strengthen our faith and provide immense comfort throughout our Christian journey .
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I. JESUS, ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER – 1 John 2:1
• John's primary aim in writing is to guide us away from sin, emphasizing that God's Word never condones it (cf. John 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 4:26).
◦ Discussion: Why is it crucial for Christians to understand that God's Word does not authorize sin? How should this understanding shape our daily choices?
• However, recognizing our human frailty, John assures us, "If we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." The Greek word Parakletos beautifully encapsulates Jesus' role: someone called to our side to help, comfort, teach, and protect us (cf. John 14:16, 26).
◦ Discussion: When you face temptation or fall into sin, how does the understanding of Jesus as your Parakletos bring you comfort and hope?
• Christ stands before the Father as our righteous representative, our defender, interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 2:18; 7:25; 9:24; 1 Peter 3:18).
◦ Discussion: Reflect on the significance of Jesus representing you before God. What does this privilege mean for your access to the Father's grace and forgiveness?
II. JESUS, THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS – 1 John 2:2
• Jesus embodies both the perfect High Priest and the ultimate, spotless sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14).
◦ Discussion: How does understanding Jesus as both priest and sacrifice deepen your appreciation for His atoning work?
• The term propitiation (Greek hilasmos) carries the weight of satisfaction, expiation, and atonement. Jesus' death fully satisfied God's righteous wrath against our sin, making atonement for our transgressions.
◦ Discussion: What does it mean that Jesus is the "satisfaction" for our sins? How does this truth bring you peace and assurance of forgiveness?
• Christ is the very means and the active agent of our reconciliation with God, bridging the chasm created by our sin (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
◦ Discussion: How has Jesus' sacrifice brought about reconciliation in your relationship with God? What does it mean to live in this reconciled state?
• His atoning sacrifice is not limited to believers alone but extends to the potential reconciliation of the whole world, if they will turn to God in faith.
◦ Discussion: How does the universal scope of Christ's propitiation motivate us in our witness to those around us ?
III. JESUS, OUR LIGHT – 1 John 2:8
• John declares that "the true light (alethinon) is already shining," effectively dispelling the pervasive darkness of error, hatred, and spiritual ignorance (John 1:4-9; 8:12).
◦ Discussion: In what ways does Jesus, as the true light, illuminate the darkness in the world and in our own hearts?
• Christ continues to illuminate the world through us, His disciples. We are called to be His light-bearers (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 John 1:7; 2:6).
◦ Discussion: How effectively are we reflecting Christ's light in our daily lives ? What practical steps can we take to shine more brightly?
• The consistent preaching of the Gospel message and a life authentically conformed to the principles of light are the primary ways we reflect His glorious light to the world.
◦ Discussion: How do both our words (preaching/sharing the Gospel) and our actions (living a life conformed to the light) contribute to reflecting Christ's glory?
IV. JESUS, GIVER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – 1 John 2:20, 27
• Through Christ, we receive the anointing of His Holy Spirit, who empowers us to discern truth from error (John 14:17; 16:13).
◦ Discussion: How does the Holy Spirit help you discern truth in a world filled with conflicting ideas? What are some ways to cultivate a greater sensitivity to His guidance?
• The Holy Spirit dwelling within us is the very guarantee and down payment of our eternal inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14).
◦ Discussion: How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life assure you of your future inheritance with Christ?
• We receive this precious gift of the Spirit when we respond in obedience to the Gospel message (Acts 2:38).
◦ Discussion: Reflect on the moment you received the Holy Spirit. How has His presence impacted your life and your understanding of God?
V. JESUS, THE SON OF GOD – 1 John 2:23
• John emphatically states that Jesus is not merely the Messiah (the Christ) but also the divine Son of God (Matthew 3:17; 16:16; John 11:27).
◦ Discussion: Why is it so theologically crucial to recognize Jesus as both the Christ and the Son of God?
• He who denies the Son fundamentally denies the Father, for the two are inseparably united in essence and purpose (John 14:6-9; Hebrews 1:1-2).
◦ Discussion: How do the words and actions of Jesus reveal His inseparable unity with the Father?
• Confessing Christ openly and truthfully is essential for us to be acknowledged and confessed before the Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32).
◦ Discussion: How comfortable are you in confessing Christ before others in your context ? What motivates you to do so?
VI. JESUS, THE PROMISED ONE – 1 John 2:25
• The ultimate and enduring promise that Jesus Himself gives to those who believe in Him is the gift of eternal life (John 3:36; 6:40).
◦ Discussion: How does the promise of eternal life shape your perspective on your current earthly existence?
• This glorious promise is presented as conditional, in the sense that we do not yet possess its fullness but eagerly await its complete realization (Titus 1:2; Romans 8:24-25).
◦ Discussion: What does it mean that we have the promise of eternal life but do not yet fully possess it? How does this create a hopeful anticipation in our lives?
• This promise will be fully and eternally fulfilled in those who persevere in faithful obedience to Him until the end.
◦ Discussion: How does the conditional aspect of this promise encourage perseverance and faithfulness in our walk with Christ?
VII. JESUS, THE ONE WHO IS TO COME – 1 John 2:28
• John concludes this section with a clear and hopeful reference to the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).
◦ Discussion: What are your thoughts and feelings regarding the second coming of Jesus?
• While many in the world may deny or scoff at the reality of His return (2 Peter 3:3-4), His coming is absolutely certain and will be a pivotal event in human history.
◦ Discussion: How should the certainty of Christ's return influence our priorities and actions in the present?
• The faithful believers, those who remain in Him, will not be ashamed at His judgment but will be welcomed into His eternal presence with exceeding joy (Matthew 25:34).
◦ Discussion: What does it mean to "remain in Him" in preparation for His return? How does the promise of a joyful reception at His coming encourage you?
• Conversely, those who ultimately deny Him will face eternal rejection and separation from His presence (Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
◦ Discussion: How does the reality of judgment motivate us to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Christ?
CONCLUSION:
A. These seven comforting and empowering aspects of Jesus Christ – our Advocate, our Propitiation, our Light, the Giver of the Holy Spirit, the Son of God, the Promised One, and the One who is to Come – should indeed fill us, the faithful Christians , with profound confidence in His grace, unwavering hope in His promises, and overflowing joy in His person and work. Let us hold fast to these truths and live in light of who Jesus is for us.
